|
|
 |
| |
|  |
The best thing about horse racing is that no one knows who is going to win any given race at any given time. However, here are a few handy tips to help you try to pick a winner.
Study the form
'Form' is simply the information and facts about a horse's past performances. You can find a summary of form in your racecard, and in the national newspapers. If you would like a more detailed analysis, then the Racing Post (which you can buy at the course) has a wide range of statistical information.
Some factors worth taking into consideration when looking at form are:
- Whether your horse has won any races recently. On your racecard this will be represented as a series of numbers ,e.g. 120631. Each number represents a race and your horses position in that race
- If your horse has beaten or lost to any of its rivals in this race before
- Whether your horse has won over this distance before, or at this course (a course and distance winner is a very desirable bet)
- Whether the horse has won previously on the same going (i.e the state of the turf) as it is running on today
- The weight your horse is carrying compared to previous races or whether it is going up or dropping down significantly in the class of the race
- What kind of form your horse's trainer is in at the moment
Let the experts help you
There will always be people around who think they will be able to tell you the winner of every race on the day, but in reality they probably know no more than you!
However, if you're looking for some reliable and official sources of information from professional pundits, try researching these websites before you go to the course:
In addition make sure to buy your copy of the Racing Post and the Racecard at the course.
Focusing on the horses
If you have purchased Grandstand or Members tickets you will have access to the Pre-Parade Ring or the Parade Ring, where you can go and have a look at the horses before they race.
The sort of signs you should be seeking in a potential winner are:
- A good muscle tone, often referred to as 'condition'
- Match this with a shiny coat, bright eyes, forward-pointing ears and an alert manner and you're in with a good chance
- Pay attention to how the horse moves. A relaxed forward stride is ideal but watch out for unnecessary agitation
- Profuse sweating can be an indication of nerves, but don't cut this out altogether as for some horses this is normal
- Equally, don't be put off by blinkers or visors, which are worn to help channel the horse's concentration during the race
|
|
|
News & Features
Understanding Betting
